Window watching

Our windows are about as dressed as a brand new baby,  and it's not that way by design. Trust me when I say that we need some drapery love in this house. We've been able to get away with it this long because the apartment across the alley from us was empty for a really long time. But now we have new neighbors, and we can't keep living so... exposed.

See? I really wasn't kidding. That's a view of the neighbor's grill and fire escape from our desk. It really doesn't inspire me to do any work.

Now I'm serious about privacy and some good looking curtains. I haven't made any final decisions, and I definitely want to make the panels myself, but here are some commercially made inspiration pieces:

I think these multi-layer tulle panels are cute, but possibly a little heavy for the room. 

And these curtains from Anthropologie are incredible, but their pleats might be too difficult for my skill set.

But it might be these ikat sheers that speak to me most. I don't think you can improve much on the pattern or the pops of color. They're great because they let in quite a lot of light, but the layered fabric obscures any sneak peeks wandering eyes might seek out.

I also picked up these capiz shell strands, which I'm going to hang within the window casing. I'm hoping they'll reflect lots of light and make the space seem more lively.

I'll let you know how the process goes!